Recommendation to Grade - Dan Grade
Once candidates have successfully achieved 1st Kyu, the Grading Review Group (GRG) will continue to monitor their development to ensure they acquire the skills and knowledge needed for the next grade. To do that course attendance is important.
If there are any special considerations such as knee issues (no suwariwaza), shoulder problems, or other physical limitations due to injury or permanent disability, these should be communicated to the GRG by the candidates' Dojo Cho.
The GRG recommends candidates once they have met the standards required for their next grade to our Technical Director. Candidates will also have fulfilled or exceeded the time in their current grade established by Yokohama International.
Candidates aspiring to Dan grade may be required to give brief demonstrations during courses or other relevant sessions to showcase their abilities and readiness for advancement.
When GRG believes that a candidate is approaching the required standard, we will request the completion of a "Background Information" form. This process involves checking course attendance and health issues, as well as obtaining input from their Club Leader. Additionally, candidates will provide a 2-minute video and a passport photo.
Once we deem the standard has been met, this information will be forwarded to our Technical Director.
Dan Grade Gradings
Regarding Dan gradings, once a candidate is considered ready, a grading will be arranged at the next available opportunity, following a discussion with our Technical Director. This will often coincide with Mimuro Sensei's visits to the UK.
For Dan Grade gradings necessary information will have been captured on a "Background Information" form with jpegs (jpg) and video clip that the candidate had submitted to GRG when they were considered to be approaching - "Ready".
The GRG will review the details provided and will if not current seek updated detail. GRG will relay this information to our Head of Association and LA Hombu Representative, ensuring it reaches Mimuro Sensei in a timely manner, complete with their video clip.
Essays are not required for Dan gradings.
Mimuro Sensei will be looking at / observing those recommended for Dan grades, by GRG. He will use the opportunity at his classes and course to decide who he will be grading.
Candidates grading for 1st Dan will not wear a hakama.
Dan gradings will take place during designated Lancashire Aikikai courses or classes, in collaboration with our Technical Director, who will assemble a panel of sub-testers. To promote transparency, these gradings will be open for members to watch, allowing them to see the required standards.
Dan grade candidates will typically choose their own ukes so they are free to show off their best Aikido. Generally selecting someone of the same grade or one grade higher
**Ukes selected should be equal to or +/- one grade from the grade being tested for, or as near as possible.**
However, the Sensei conducting the grading (Examiner) may handle allocations himself designating specific ukes, or will use candidates for 2nd Dan to uke for 1st Dans etc.
Sensei has clarified that it is OK to have a competent uke who is graded below tori but not one who is several grades above because it makes tori better than they actually are.
In any case, all potential ukes should be familiar with the attacks. So candidates should check this understanding.
For candidates aspiring to 1st Dan taking ukemi is important and Sensei will want to see this.
This link Hints for Dan Gradings provides useful information.
During the grading, Mimuro Sensei has one or two sub-testers present on either side of the mat. Mimuro Sensei and the sub-testers will provide immediate feedback, both positive and constructive publicly for all to hear following the assessment. Sensei will make the pass / fail decision right after the test.
